Colby's Story

Kidney donor Colby (top, second from left) with wife Amy and their kids. Colby’s family fully supported his kidney donation to a young man who was a family friend and someone Colby considers his "surrogate son."

Name: Colby Horn
City/Town: Platte City, Missouri
Age at Donation: 46
Occupation: Butcher
Date of Donation: May 29, 2018
Hospital and Location: University of Kansas Medical Center
 

Did you know your recipient?
Yes.

What made you decide to donate?
The boy is like a son to me.

Was it a tough decision?
No – I wanted to help save his physical life.

What were your biggest concerns about donating?
Making sure my family was okay with the decision.

How did your family and friends react when you told them you were going to donate?
They were not surprised.

 How did your surgery go?
All went well – no surprises.

 What was your recovery like while you were in the hospital?
University of Kansas Medical Center was amazing – it was painful blessing.

What was your recovery like at home?
It was slow but steady – there were not complications.

 What was the most difficult part of recovery?
Gaining back my strength and energy.

When did you return to work?
Five weeks after surgery.

How long was the process from making the first contact about donating until your surgery?
Three to four months.

 Is there anything about being a kidney donor that's surprised you?
You are pretty much back to normal again after six months or so.

 Would you do it again?
Yes. It has been more of a blessing to me than my recipient.

Read more about Colby’s story here.